Sri Lanka entry requirements for Lebanon passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Lebanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Sri Lanka. Show up at the airport, fill out a form, pay the fee, and get your visa right there. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure for most nationalities.
Apply for Sri Lanka eVisaElectronic Travel Authorization. Apply before departure.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) or other designated entry points. Have USD 35–50 in cash for the visa fee, a printed return ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The process takes 10–15 minutes at the counter.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Sri Lanka | Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity from the day you leave Sri Lanka. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration officers at Colombo airport ask for a confirmed onward ticket before stamping your visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Sri Lanka ready. Immigration may ask for it at the visa on arrival counter — a printed booking confirmation works best. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Carry at least USD 100 in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it is better to have it ready. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration checks it on arrival. If you're close to the limit, renew your passport first.
Cash is king at the visa counter
While cards are accepted, the card machines can be unreliable. Bring $50-60 USD in cash (or the equivalent in Sri Lankan Rupees) to avoid any issues.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' counters before immigration. There are usually two queues: one for e-Visa holders and one for visa on arrival. Join the visa on arrival queue.
2
Fill Out the Visa Application Form
You'll be given a small form to fill out with your personal details, passport info, flight number, and accommodation address. Have your booking confirmation handy.
3
Submit Form and Pay Fee
Hand the completed form and your passport to the immigration officer. Pay the visa fee (cash or card). They'll process your visa and stamp it into your passport.
4
Proceed to Immigration
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the immigration counter. The officer will check your passport, visa, and may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer honestly and you'll be through in minutes.
Download Sri Lanka Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR)
Standard option for tourism. Apply online or on arrival.
Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost$50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR)
Good for multiple visits within 6 months. Apply at embassy or online.
Business Visa
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$40 USD (approx. 12,000 LKR)
Requires invitation letter from Sri Lankan company. Apply at embassy.
retirement visa
Sri Lanka Retirement Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD per year
For individuals aged 55+ with proof of pension or sufficient funds (min. $1,500/month). Allows long-term stay with multiple entries.
digital nomad visa
Sri Lanka Digital Nomad Visa (Proposed)
1 year, renewable
~$300 USD per year
For remote workers with proof of income (min. $2,000/month). Allows stay and work for foreign employers. Not yet fully implemented; check official sources.
investor visa
Sri Lanka Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD application fee + investment
For investors putting at least $50,000 USD into a Sri Lankan business or real estate. Includes residency rights.
work visa
Sri Lanka Work Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD per year
Requires a job offer from a Sri Lankan company and approval from the Department of Immigration. Employer usually sponsors.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable at airport in USD or LKR. Credit cards accepted. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pre-arrivalOptional but recommended to save time. Apply online at eta.gov.lk. | $35 USD (approx. 10,500 LKR) |
| Stay extension (per 30 days)Apply at Department of Immigration and Emigration. Max extension up to 90 days total stay. | $50 USD (approx. 15,000 LKR) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Pay at immigration office before departure. Overstay may affect future visits. | $10 USD (approx. 3,000 LKR) per day, max $200 USD |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Sri Lanka
No transit visa needed
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Sri Lanka (Bandaranaike International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration. For landside transit or overnight stays, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, or Canadian visas may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
Transit hubsBandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo · Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), Hambantota
Health & vaccines for Sri Lanka
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)EssentialMeasles-mumps-rubella (MMR)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderJapanese EncephalitisConsider
Health risks
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; risk higher in urban areas and during rainy seasons. Use repellent and mosquito nets.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
LeptospirosisLow risk
Risk from floodwater or freshwater exposure. Avoid wading in floodwaters.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk is low in most tourist areas, but prophylaxis is recommended for travel to rural areas in the dry zone (e.g., Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Colombo
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41 Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Kandy
Regional Immigration Office – Kandy
No. 15, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Convenient for travellers in central Sri Lanka. Same services as Colombo.
Practical information for LB travellers
Country basics
CapitalColombo
LanguageSinhala, Tamil
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceIDP required alongside US license.
Money
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 335.84 LKR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+5
vs New York+10.5h (EST) / +9.5h (EDT)
vs Los Angeles+13.5h (PST) / +12.5h (PDT)
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
D,G,MType D, G, M — US plugs do not fit. Bring a universal adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Use bottled water. Tap water is treated but travellers should avoid it.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Sri Lanka — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The visa on arrival fee is typically around $35-50 USD. It can be paid in US dollars, Sri Lankan Rupees, or by credit/debit card at the airport counter. Exact change in cash is safest.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before you travel, such as a tourist visa from the Sri Lankan embassy in Beirut.
Yes, immigration officers may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. It's a standard requirement for visa on arrival. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and denied entry by Sri Lankan immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
Visa on arrival is available at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. It is not available at other land borders or seaports. If arriving by land or sea, you need a visa in advance.
Travel insurance is not officially required for visa on arrival, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Sri Lanka can be high, and insurance covers unexpected hospital stays.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact duration will be stamped in your passport by the immigration officer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.